Writing software documentation without the software

["Brasel, Russell" <russell -dot- brasel -at- hccredit -dot- com>]

Has anyone here had an experience like this?

We have a small application that the programmers use to run Stored
Procedures on our accounts.  On Monday, one of our programmers showed me
how they use the application-I took notes, got a screenshot, and started
writing my documentation.  The only problem is that I don't have the
application on my box.  I'm finding it difficult to properly document
the procedure without having the program in front of me.  Also, our
programmers are incredibly busy, so I don't feel that I can have them
show me the process every time I have a question.  

I've informed my manager that trying to write software documentation
without the software is like writing a cookbook without testing the
recipes.  He hasn't gotten back to me yet, and I need some advice about
making my case.  I'm sure I'll be called for a meeting this afternoon.

RGBrasel
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

WebWorks ePublisher Pro for Word features support for every major Help
format plus PDF, HTML and more. Flexible, precise, and efficient content
delivery. Try it today! http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l

Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include single source authoring, team authoring,
Web-based technology, and PDF output. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList

---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- infoinfocus -dot- com -dot- 

To unsubscribe send a blank email to
techwr-l-unsubscribe -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
or visit http://lists.techwr-l.com/mailman/options/techwr-l/archive%40infoinfocus.com


To subscribe, send a blank email to techwr-l-join -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com

Send administrative questions to admin -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-  Visit
http://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.